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As the wind whispers through the halo of legends
crowning the land of the mighty Marathas, a lone majestic whistle blows its
salutation of honour as it gracefully traverses this land of fantastic fantasy.
Welcome to the mesmerizing Maharashtra experience aboard the luxurious DECCAN
ODYSSEY.
If Europe is all-hearts for the Orient Express and Rajasthan is graced by the
royal Palace on Wheels,
Maharasthra echoes majestically with the Deccan Odyssey. Deccan Odyssey offers
a train journey adorned in luxury, the luxury train Deccan Odyssey transports
its guests on an unforgettable sojourn of a land shining in legions grandeur -
serene beaches, magnificent forts & palaces, and experiencing heavenly tales
etched in colossal rocks.
The weeklong Deccan Odyssey tour includes several exotic destinations covering
the vast expanse of Maharashtra and a pinch of Goa - Mumbai, Ganpatipule,
Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora. Experience the
finest and the best of rail / train journeys of the world. The Deccan Odyssey
is much more than a mere luxury train cruise. It's a 'classical odyssey' of
time beyond the realms of the present. Welcome aboard!
For Bookings made with Worldwide Honey Tours, enjoy the following extra complimentary services **Complimentary pick up from the New Delhi airport and drop to a hotel of your choice. ** Complimentary pick up from your Hotel and drop to the Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station to board the "Palace-on-Wheels".
** Complimentary pick up and drop back to the Hotel on completion of the "Palace-on-Wheels" tour.
** Complimentary full day Sight Seeing Tour of Old and New Delhi along with an Expert Guide free of charge.
** Special Discounted tariff at the best luxury, as well as economical Hotels in Delhi and anywhere across India.
Facilities on board
Tour Details : 7 Nights / 8 Days
Places Covered : Mumbai - Jaigadh, Ganapatipule, Ratangiri - Sindhudurg, Tarkarli, Sawantwadi - Goa - Kolhapur, Pune - Aurangabad - Ajanta & Nashik - Mumbai
The Deccan Odyssey Tour starts on every Wednesday of the week* from Mumbai.
Months of Operation : (September till April next year)
(As this palatial train requires a lot of renovation and maintenance. The Train thus does not operate in the months of May, June, July & August.)
Day 01 - Wednesday - Mumbai
Departure in the evening from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai...
The time has come for you to undertake a journey way back in time. Welcome to Mumbai, a city of dreams that 300 years ago was an agglomeration of seven islands. Modern, yet preserving its antiquities, a short drive through the city will reveal this inherent truth. Board the train in the evening at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, undoubtedly one of the famous Gothic buildings and an integral part of Mumbai's skyline. Wine and dine in the luxurious comforts of this train and whistle off on your royal voyage...
Wine and dine in the luxurious comforts of this train and whistle off on your royal voyage.
Reach Rai Bhatgaon Jetty by AC bus for Back Water Cruise up to historical fort Jaigad.
Board the bus to explore finest beach along the Konkan coast. Free time & lunch at Ganapatipule beach resort. Noon board the bus for sight seeing tour of Ratnagiri town.
Visit to Ratnadurg Fort, Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and free time in Ratnagiri Bazar. Board the train at Ratnagiri Railway station
After Jaigad Fort, it's time to travel to Ganapatipule by road, an experience by itself. The vast 'Konkan' stretch abounds with scenic greenery, red earth and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama.
Ganapatipule is bathed in the golden sunshine and silver moonlight, lapped by gentle foam-flecked waves from the expanse of the Arabian Sea. It's laced with the unforgettable aroma of fruits, flowers and mangroves. And the timid whispers of swaying coconut trees carry you away into a land, that's serene, sedate and unspoilt.
Feast your taste buds over a vast spread of 'Konkan' cuisine and spend some time to witness cultural programme. Mingle in the company of the locals, who are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with you and make you feel at home. Visit the holy temple shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh, flocked by millions every year. Walk down the beach to the tune of the splashing waves. Head out towards Ratnagiri, the land of the world famous 'Alphonso' mangoes, in the comforts of the luxury AC bus.
Ratnagiri is the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak and the internment home for the last king of Burma, King Thibaw. Visit the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and Ratnadurga Fort.
Temples, forts and virgin beaches, you would wish you could stay a little longer. But the train whistles and you are off to yet another beautiful destination feasting over a royal spread served on board.
Departure by AC Bus to Malvan Jetty to witness Sindhudurg Sea Fort. From jetty proceed to Tarkarli beach resort for lunch & free time.
After lunch Back Water Cruise through the Tarkarli creek up to Kalse Jetty followed by visit to Sawantwadi town by bus to witness fabulous lacquer handicrafts, paintings and furniture at the “Shilpagrama” in the town.
Late in the evening board the train at Sawantwadi railway station
Next day the train chugs in to the tip of the Konkan coast, Sindhudurg Nagari Railway station. A luxury AC bus transfers you to Malvan Jetty from the station. Settle in a comfortable boat, arranged just for you, and enjoy the mesmerizing view of flora, birds and caressing waves on the ride to Sindhudurg Fort.
Next stop the one time naval base, stubbornly guarded, till today by the unconquered Ocean Fort of Sindhudurg. As you approach the fort from Malvan jetty past a rocky reef, marvel at the hard work of over 6000 skilled hands that worked round the clock for 3 years. Within its premises are temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimari, Mahapurush and Shivaji. Walk on the two-mile long rampart walls and watch the breathtaking view of the vast open sea as it fires a volley of spray 30 ft. below. And at times even 30 feet high, an amazing experience indeed.
Ganapatipule is bathed in the golden sunshine and silver moonlight, lapped by gentle foam-flecked waves from the expanse of the Arabian Sea. It's laced with the unforgettable aroma of fruits, flowers and mangroves. And the timid whispers of swaying coconut trees carry you away into a land, that's serene, sedate and unspoilt.
Head out to Tarkarli by luxury AC bus. A virgin beach at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea with silver soft sands and pristine clear waters. The wide river, the beautiful sailboats, the tiny islands, the hamlets at the riverbank, all contributes to the picture-postcard beauty of Tarkarli. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the well-appointed MTDC beach resort, complete with twenty 'Konkani' style cottages. Indeed a perfect place to enjoy the mouth-watering 'Malvani' cuisine and then unwind.
Next stop, Tarkarli Jetty, for a romantic boat ride through the Tarkarli creek up to Kalse Jetty. Move on to Sawantwadi by AC luxury bus, situated on the southernmost point of Sindhudurg. This elite heritage destination is the entry point to Goa. The colourful town, once an estate capital, is home to the Chitar Ali and Jagannathrao Bhosale Garden. Shilpa Gram is yet another place you must visit. A craft village, where you can watch local craftsmen manufacturing handicrafts and what's more, you can buy some mementos too.
The evening promises a traditional meal in the train. As the train heads to Goa from Sawantwadi, you will leave behind this coastal paradise rich in history and natural splendour.
Board the bus to reach Old Goa to witness;
Basilica De Born Jesus, Se Cathedral, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi, that began as a mosque but now is an archaeological museum for Goan antiques. Proceed to Panjim by bus.
Dona Paulo& 250 years old House.
Late in the evening board the train from Madgaon railway station.
- 07:30 hrs: Arrival at Karmali Railway Station. Break fast on board.
- 08:00 to 12:30 hrs: Departure by A.C coach for Old Goa visit to (1) Basilica of Bom Jesus Church (2) Se Cathedral Church (3) St. Francis of Assissi a museum for Goan antiques and visit to Fontanhas the Latin quarters at Panjim.
- 12:30 hrs: Departure for Hotel.
- 13:30 to 16:00 hrs: Lunch and free time at beach.
- 16:15 hrs: Departure for Madgaon Railway Station.
- 17:15 hrs: Departure for Kolhapur. Dinner on board.
- Day 05 - Sunday - Kolhapur, Pune
Morning - Arrival at
Kolhapur City, known as Karveer or Dakshin Kashi of
Maharashtra. Situated on the banks of river Panchaganga.
Board the bus to visit; New Palace, a royal palace partly converted
into museum, Bhawani Mandap (The Town Hall) witness traditional
Martial Art locally known as "Mardani Khel", An exquisitely carved
Mahalaxmi Temple a temple of goddess Ambabai visited by millions
pilgrims, Shalini Palace built of intricately carved black stone &
Italian Marble stands on the west side of lake Rankala, watch
cultural programme and visit to handicraft stalls for perfect
memorabilia.
At noon board
the train at Kolhapur station to depart for Pune. Lunch onboard.
Leisure time till evening.
Evening arrive at
Pune.
Board the bus to visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, houses variety of
artifacts of the 17th, 18th & 19th Centuries. Board the train from
Pune railway station. Dinner onboard.
- 07:00 hrs: Breakfast on Board.
- 08:00 hrs: Arrive at Kolhapur Rly.Station.
- 08:30 hrs: Depart for Sightseeing by A/c. Coach -
Visit New Palace, Museum, Bhavani Mandap Mahalaxmi Temple & Shalini Palace- Watch cultural Programmes & Visit to Handicraft Stalls. - 11:30 hrs: Depart to Kolhapur Railway Stn.
- 11:45 hrs: Return to Deccan Odyssey.
- 12:00 hrs: Depart for Pune.
- 13:00 to 19:30 hrs: Lunch & Leisure time on Board.
- 19:30 hrs: Arrive at Pune Rly.Station.
- 19:45 hrs: Depart by A/c. Coach Visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum .
- 21:15 hrs: Depart to Railway Stn. Pune.
- 21:30 hrs: Return to Deccan Odyssey.
- 21:45 hrs: Depart for Aurangabad.
- 22:00 hrs: Dinner on Board.
Day 06 - Monday - Aurangabad
Morning Arrival at Aurangabad station.
Proceed by road to witness;
Historical fort Daulatabad.
Ellora caves, a World Heritage site, having 34 cave temples
dedicated to three different religion- Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism.
Lunch and
Cultural programme at Hotel Taj. After lunch visit to;
Shivaji Museum with weapons and antiques from the great Maratha
Empire.
Aurangabad Caves No. 7 & 8
Bibi-ka-Maqbara, a replica of Taj Mahal is a grand piece of Moghul
architecture.
Free time for shopping Paithani, Himroo, Bidriwork from showrooms for
a perfect memorabilia.
Late in the evening board the train from Aurangabad railway station
- 08:30 hrs: Break fast on board. Arrival at Aurangabad Railway Station.
- 08:30 to 10:00 hrs: Departure by A.C coach. Visit to Daulatabad Fort.
- 10:00 to 10:30 hrs: Departure for Ellora Caves.
- 10:30 to 12:30 hrs: Visit to Ellora Caves.
- 12:30 to 13:15 hrs: Departure for Aurangabad.
- 13:15 to 15:00 hrs: Lunch and cultural programme at Aurangabad.
- 15:15 to 16:00 hrs: Visit to Bibi-ka- Maqbara. Optional: Back to train.
- 16:15 to 17:15 hrs: Free time for shopping.
- 17:15 to 17:30 hrs:Departure for Aurangabad Railway Station.
- 18:00 hrs: Train Departs for Jalgaon. Dinner on board.
Day 07 - Tuesday - Ajanta & Nashik
Alight at Jalgaon railway station and travel to Fardapur resort. After a royal break fast depart for T-Junction in a luxury AC bus. Board the MSRTC eco-friendly bus and it's time to travel back in time. Soon, you will find yourself surrounded by dramatic views of the Waghora valley where the Ajanta Caves are located. Older than the Ellora caves (200 BC to 650 AD) they are also cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan Trap in a steep crescent shaped hillside. Lost to the world after the 7th century it was discovered by accident in 1819, by a party of British officers on a hunting expedition.
- 06:30 hrs: Early Breakfast on Board.
- 07:00 hrs: Arrival at Jalgaon station
- 07:30 hrs: Detrain to visit Ajanta Caves by A/c.Coach
- 12:45 hrs: Return to Deccan Odyssey
- 13:15 hrs: Depart for Nasik
- 13:30 hrs: Lunch & Leisure time on Board
- 17:00 hrs: Arrive at Nasik station & depart to Visit Panchwati Ghats and Asian
- 20:30 hrs: Return to the Deccan Odyssey and Dinner on board.
- 22:30 hrs: Depart for Mumbai
Day 08 - Wednesday - Mumbai
Morning - Arrival at CST - Mumbai. Journey Ends. Enjoy the breakfast on board as the sun rises over the commercial capital of India. Alight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in the morning enriched with the rich legacy of this land. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever.
111 North Bridge Road #02-36 Peninsula Plaza
Singapore 179098
Tel: +65 67382955 Fax: +65 67383677
Email:
info@worldwidehoney.com
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Last updated on 08 Jan 2008